Would the real Type R please stand up

Japanese-spec Type R is unveiled

The new Civic Type R

This is the Civic Type R as the Japanese will know it. Unlike ‘our’ new Civic Type R hatchback – largely developed in Europe and built in the UK - it’s based on the saloon version of the current Civic available in Japan, the USA and also as the Civic Hybrid model in the UK. It goes on sale in Japan this Friday (30th March).

Predictably, engine outputs are a little higher than its European cousin, with 222bhp being developed at 8,000rpm and 159lb ft of torque peaking at 6,100rpm (the euro Type R makes 198bhp at 7,800rpm and 142lb ft at 5,600rpm). Drive

Based on Civic Saloon

is fed through a close ratio six speed gearbox, and a limited slip differential is fitted as standard. To cope with the demands of track work, the front brake discs are 17 inches in diameter with four pot Brembo callipers and the car runs on 225/40 R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres. A Type R aero kit and trademark black and red bucket seats help lift the usually rather staid Civic saloon appearance.

Honda claims the body is 50% more rigid than the previous Japan-only Integra Type R, and

Very Type R

crucially, this saloon Type R retains the traditional Honda independent rear suspension abandoned for a torsion beam set up on the latest European Civic Type R.

The Euro Type R has massively split opinion in the UK motoring press. Is this the car we really want?